Lady Rita and Rachael Blackmore pass the winning line with a circuit to go© Photo Healy Racing
The stewards took no further action after an enquiry into the ride Rachael Blackmore gave Lady Rita in the Moyvore Whiskey Vault Handicap Hurdle at Kilbeggan this evening.
Blackmore appeared to ask her mount for an effort going to the winning post with a circuit to run in the three-mile contest before easing up briefly after the line.
The Westerner mare was well backed, from 25/1 into 8/1, and eventually finished fourth in the race behind Desert Heather
The following is the steward's report on their enquiry:-
The Raceday Stewards interviewed Rachael Blackmore, rider of Lady Rita, trained by Louise G. Lyons, concerning her riding where she appeared to stop riding after reaching the winning post with a circuit to run. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that this animal had a tendency to run inconsistently and was running over a longer trip today for the first time. She added that she wanted to ensure that the race was run at a strong gallop and let her mount stride on after the final hurdle with a circuit to run but the animal got lairy in front and on realising there was still a long way to go, she allowed her to come back under her. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards informed Rachael Blackmore that they were not entirely convinced with her explanation offered but under the provisions of Rule 212A they could not be certain that her misjudgement, if any, had caused her to fail to obtain her best possible placing and therefore took no further action.
